I cant believe more of you dont post in this forum. I mean isnt spending less what this site is all about. I know it seams like their is only so much you can say about saveing money but I do know that we all need a lot a support to stick to a budget in a world that is all about money.any body else with me on this?

I am with you. I have done a 180 with my spending habits lately. I used to go way overboard with my dd's clothes and to some degree both ds's. I used to visit other sites more frequently- but have realized that planning for every sale and all the shopping at various malls was costing me more than $- it has been a total waste of time. I would run around to 2 malls a few times a week looking for that top I was in search of or the pants or just what was on the clearance racks. I used to justify it in every way- it was my hobby, we have no debt but the house, I would re-sell so it wasn't costing that much. Now I want to save more and put more away for retirement and savings. I keep reading how much it will cost to retire and how people don't plan for it early enough. So I am with you- my secrets so far are just using coupons, shopping the sales, doing rebates like from Walgreens and mfg rebates, shop garage sales, and the big one- shopping less- the more I am out of the malls and stores like Target/Walmart- the less I spend.

I'm cheap to the core so for me it comes more naturally. Did I use to overspend on clearance yes, but I worked outside the home then. now that I SAH I cut that out except for items as gifts. and I only keep two generic female gifts. otherwise I don't crave the 'must have' items. I have recently decided to clean up my pantry. no groceries except dairy and produce. I also cut the freebies rebates from walgreens unless it's something the family actually uses ALOT.

alot of my friends think I'm crazy for all my money saving stuff. that's ok with me. I even have friends who would never step inside a thrift store or go to garage sales. I have a perfect reply: my husband(or myself) works hard so I can stay home with the kids. why would I burden him even more if I don't have to. I respect how hard my husband works to support us and I'm only doing my part.

allgirls

__________________
allgirls, mom to 3 girls

It's Girl Scout Cookie Time

Hello, ladys .I really am have happy at home. I have been home for home for 7 years. I have learn some great places to go to save. one great place is FREECYCLE anyone can join. just sign up in your area. It is people that give things away. and you can do it to. this year my girls christmas gift are from freecycle. So this year we are paying nothing for gift. My girls don't mind second hand toyes. They are happy to get the toyes. I hope this helps someone out. Join the FREECYCLE move.

Angela